News Summary
Three standout players from the Western Kentucky University baseball team have entered the NCAA transfer portal following a successful season. Outfielder Ryan Wideman, pitcher Drew Whalen, and relief pitcher Patrick Morris showcased exceptional talent, receiving multiple accolades and breaking records during the year. Their decisions to transfer open up new opportunities as they aim to continue their collegiate baseball careers, building on their impressive performances from the past season.
Bowling Green, KY – Three standout players from Western Kentucky University’s baseball program have entered the NCAA transfer portal following a remarkable season. The announcement was made by WKU on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Outfielder Ryan Wideman, starting pitcher Drew Whalen, and relief pitcher Patrick Morris are looking to explore opportunities at other programs after showcasing exceptional performances during the season.
Ryan Wideman, a junior from Marietta, Georgia, had an impressive year, being named Conference USA’s Player and Newcomer of the Year. He led the conference with a stunning .398 batting average, notching 10 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, and a remarkable 70 runs scored. Wideman also set a new school record for stolen bases in a single season with 45, placing him among the best in 12 offensive statistical categories within Conference USA (CUSA). He previously transferred to WKU from Georgia Highlands College, where he began to develop his skills.
Drew Whalen, a sophomore hailing from Franklin, Tennessee, received the CUSA Pitcher of the Year award after a remarkable regular season. He ended the year with a 9-3 record over 16 appearances, all of which were starts. His total innings pitched amounted to 81 2/3, during which he posted a 3.53 earned run average (ERA), allowing 71 hits and 31 walks while achieving an impressive team-high 90 strikeouts. Whalen ranked top five in CUSA in several categories, demonstrating his significant impact on the mound.
Patrick Morris, a senior left-hander from Chandler, Arizona, was a pivotal part of WKU’s bullpen this season. He recorded an outstanding 1.11 ERA over 17 appearances, which included two starts. Morris pitched 32 1/3 innings, striking out 33 batters, and finished the season with a record of 2-0 alongside one save. His performance was integral to the team’s pitching strength.
The Hilltoppers concluded their season with a solid overall record of 46-14, including an 18-9 mark within Conference USA. WKU’s season concluded at the NCAA Oxford Regional, where they faced No. 15 Ole Miss, ultimately losing with a score of 8-6. Notably, the team celebrated their first-ever CUSA Baseball Tournament Championship title, finishing the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record.
This season’s 46 wins represent the second-most in WKU baseball history, falling just one win short of the record set by the 1980 team, which achieved 47 victories. Furthermore, this season marked WKU’s first appearance in an NCAA Regional since 2009, highlighting a significant milestone for the program and its supporters.
The players’ decisions to enter the NCAA transfer portal open new opportunities for them to potentially join different programs as they look to continue their baseball careers. Their impressive performances have inevitably attracted attention, setting the stage for future developments in their athletic journeys.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Wildcats Wire
- Google Search: Ryan Wideman
- WKU Sports
- Wikipedia: NCAA Transfer Portal
- On3 Sports
- Google News: WKU baseball transfer portal
- WBKO
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- WKU Sports
